John Newby
@johnnewby.bsky.social
Senior Writer at Savage Ventures covering NASCAR and Auto News.
NMPA member.
Big fan of Blue Heelers, coffee, and station wagons with ridiculous engines.
NMPA member.
Big fan of Blue Heelers, coffee, and station wagons with ridiculous engines.
#NASCAR - What would you do if you received a request to fly a race car to Japan with only 8 weeks' notice?
Some teams would say no. Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and 23XI Racing said yes.
Here's how they pulled it off:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Some teams would say no. Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and 23XI Racing said yes.
Here's how they pulled it off:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
8 weeks to Japan: Inside 3 teams' journey to Fuji Speedway
As Kyle Larson celebrated his second Cup Series championship on Nov. 2, teams throughout the garage prepared to head back East to start the offseason. Three other teams, however, prepared for an impor...
fanbuzz.com
December 8, 2025 at 1:24 AM
#NASCAR - What would you do if you received a request to fly a race car to Japan with only 8 weeks' notice?
Some teams would say no. Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and 23XI Racing said yes.
Here's how they pulled it off:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Some teams would say no. Hendrick Motorsports, Legacy Motor Club, and 23XI Racing said yes.
Here's how they pulled it off:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
A settlement hasn't happened, so 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and #NASCAR will head back into court tomorrow.
Here's where everything stands entering the second week of trial.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's where everything stands entering the second week of trial.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Where antitrust lawsuit trial stands entering second week
The antitrust lawsuit trial involving 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and NASCAR will continue into its second week.
fanbuzz.com
December 7, 2025 at 9:45 PM
A settlement hasn't happened, so 23XI Racing, Front Row Motorsports, and #NASCAR will head back into court tomorrow.
Here's where everything stands entering the second week of trial.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's where everything stands entering the second week of trial.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
While #NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports sat in a courthouse, multiple teams dropped news about drivers and mergers.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Multiple drivers change locations in packed NASCAR week
A packed NASCAR week featured two teams in court, as well as multiple drivers changing teams for the 2026 season.
fanbuzz.com
December 6, 2025 at 4:07 PM
While #NASCAR, 23XI Racing, and Front Row Motorsports sat in a courthouse, multiple teams dropped news about drivers and mergers.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - Former competitor Michael Annett has passed away at the age of 39.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett dies at 39
Former NASCAR driver Michael Annett has passed away at the age of 39. His representation did not provide details.
fanbuzz.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:39 AM
#NASCAR - Former competitor Michael Annett has passed away at the age of 39.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - It was a very busy day in court to close out the first week. Heather Gibbs, Steve O'Donnell, Jonathan Marshall, and Michael Jordan all provided testimony about charter negotiations, permanent charters, and deadlines.
Day 5 recap:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Day 5 recap:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Michael Jordan takes the stand during fifth day of trial
23XI Racing co-owner Michael Jordan took the stand on Friday to field questions about his investment in stock car racing and this lawsuit.
fanbuzz.com
December 6, 2025 at 2:11 AM
#NASCAR - It was a very busy day in court to close out the first week. Heather Gibbs, Steve O'Donnell, Jonathan Marshall, and Michael Jordan all provided testimony about charter negotiations, permanent charters, and deadlines.
Day 5 recap:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Day 5 recap:
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
A crowd waited for Michael Jordan to exit the courthouse.
December 5, 2025 at 10:19 PM
A crowd waited for Michael Jordan to exit the courthouse.
Outside the courthouse.
December 5, 2025 at 10:17 PM
Outside the courthouse.
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins have arrived for Day 5.
December 5, 2025 at 1:29 PM
Michael Jordan, Denny Hamlin, and Bob Jenkins have arrived for Day 5.
Ty Dillon and RCR’s Mike Verlander have also shown up for Court.
December 5, 2025 at 1:25 PM
Ty Dillon and RCR’s Mike Verlander have also shown up for Court.
Jim France and Mike Helton have arrived for court.
December 5, 2025 at 1:24 PM
Jim France and Mike Helton have arrived for court.
My last story focused on Jeffrey Kessler questioning Steve O'Donnell about SRX concerns and track exclusivity agreements.
This story focuses on O'Donnell's comments during #NASCAR examination about the money spent going to new tracks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
This story focuses on O'Donnell's comments during #NASCAR examination about the money spent going to new tracks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Steve O'Donnell views lost millions as investment in NASCAR future
NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell testified on Thursday about many topics, including the investment in the future of NASCAR.
fanbuzz.com
December 5, 2025 at 2:00 AM
My last story focused on Jeffrey Kessler questioning Steve O'Donnell about SRX concerns and track exclusivity agreements.
This story focuses on O'Donnell's comments during #NASCAR examination about the money spent going to new tracks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
This story focuses on O'Donnell's comments during #NASCAR examination about the money spent going to new tracks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell was on the stand for approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes today, so I'm breaking this up into two stories. The first focuses on his examination by Jeffrey Kessler and a lot of SRX talk.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Plaintiffs focus on SRX concerns, track exclusivity with NASCAR President
NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell faced numerous questions about track exclusivity agreements and the SRX series during Thursday's testimony.
fanbuzz.com
December 5, 2025 at 12:51 AM
#NASCAR President Steve O'Donnell was on the stand for approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes today, so I'm breaking this up into two stories. The first focuses on his examination by Jeffrey Kessler and a lot of SRX talk.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins have arrived.
December 4, 2025 at 1:28 PM
Michael Jordan and Bob Jenkins have arrived.
NASCAR is back for day 4.
December 4, 2025 at 1:24 PM
NASCAR is back for day 4.
#NASCAR - I had 24 pages of notes from NASCAR EVP and Chief Strategy Officer Scott Prime's time on the stand this morning and afternoon. I tried to narrow down to some important points in the interest of time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
NASCAR executive returns to stand over alleged anti-competitive acts
The antitrust lawsuit trial continued on Wednesday as NASCAR executive Scott Prime returned to the stand for several hours.
fanbuzz.com
December 4, 2025 at 2:13 AM
#NASCAR - I had 24 pages of notes from NASCAR EVP and Chief Strategy Officer Scott Prime's time on the stand this morning and afternoon. I tried to narrow down to some important points in the interest of time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - The third day of trial continued with two witnesses on the stand -- Scott Prime and Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins.
Jenkins will be back on the stand tomorrow, but here are some of the important details from his afternoon session.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Jenkins will be back on the stand tomorrow, but here are some of the important details from his afternoon session.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Front Row Motorsports financials take center stage during trial
Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins took the stand on Wednesday for a long examination, which focused on his company's financials.
fanbuzz.com
December 4, 2025 at 12:22 AM
#NASCAR - The third day of trial continued with two witnesses on the stand -- Scott Prime and Front Row Motorsports owner Bob Jenkins.
Jenkins will be back on the stand tomorrow, but here are some of the important details from his afternoon session.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Jenkins will be back on the stand tomorrow, but here are some of the important details from his afternoon session.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Scott Prime’s time on the stand has ended. It featured some eyebrow raising moments. Many statements under oath seemed to contradict each other based on who was asking the questions.
December 3, 2025 at 7:51 PM
Scott Prime’s time on the stand has ended. It featured some eyebrow raising moments. Many statements under oath seemed to contradict each other based on who was asking the questions.
#NASCAR - Denny Hamlin spent four combined hours on the stand between Monday and Tuesday. He discussed numerous topics, including his investment in 23XI Racing and his salary.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Denny Hamlin's salary becomes public during cross-examination
Denny Hamlin took part in witness testimony and cross-examination Tuesday morning, which included a discussion of his salary.
fanbuzz.com
December 2, 2025 at 9:06 PM
#NASCAR - Denny Hamlin spent four combined hours on the stand between Monday and Tuesday. He discussed numerous topics, including his investment in 23XI Racing and his salary.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - Obviously, the lawsuit is the focus the next two weeks, but other things have been going on in the sport.
Here's a quick recap of some driver and team changes across the three series.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's a quick recap of some driver and team changes across the three series.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Daniel Suarez to Spire Motorsports & other big changes for 2026
The NASCAR season ended only one month ago with championship weekend, but teams and drivers are already looking forward to 2026 and the changes they will experience as they compete for wins. Videos by...
fanbuzz.com
December 2, 2025 at 3:28 PM
#NASCAR - Obviously, the lawsuit is the focus the next two weeks, but other things have been going on in the sport.
Here's a quick recap of some driver and team changes across the three series.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's a quick recap of some driver and team changes across the three series.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - "I am committing to you now, I will produce evidence," one attorney said during opening statements of an antitrust lawsuit trial.
Here's what was said by the respective legal teams as they addressed the jurors for the first time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's what was said by the respective legal teams as they addressed the jurors for the first time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
NASCAR trial's opening day features jury selection, opening statements
The first day of an antitrust lawsuit trial between two teams and NASCAR featured one attorney from each side making an opening statement.
fanbuzz.com
December 2, 2025 at 1:46 AM
#NASCAR - "I am committing to you now, I will produce evidence," one attorney said during opening statements of an antitrust lawsuit trial.
Here's what was said by the respective legal teams as they addressed the jurors for the first time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Here's what was said by the respective legal teams as they addressed the jurors for the first time.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
#NASCAR - I have another story coming, breaking down the opening statements from legal teams in this antitrust lawsuit trial, but here is a separate one highlighting the big takeaways from Denny Hamlin's shortened time providing testimony.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
Denny Hamlin takes the stand as antitrust lawsuit trial begins
Denny Hamlin took the witness stand for the first time on Monday as an antitrust lawsuit trial against NASCAR began.
fanbuzz.com
December 1, 2025 at 11:56 PM
#NASCAR - I have another story coming, breaking down the opening statements from legal teams in this antitrust lawsuit trial, but here is a separate one highlighting the big takeaways from Denny Hamlin's shortened time providing testimony.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
The first portion of trial day 1 has mostly concluded. They selected 9 jury members, but one had to pull out. So we wait for a potential 9th.
One jury member was dismissed for saying “NASCAR killed NASCAR.”
Two others were dismissed for being big Michael Jordan fans.
One jury member was dismissed for saying “NASCAR killed NASCAR.”
Two others were dismissed for being big Michael Jordan fans.
December 1, 2025 at 4:37 PM
The first portion of trial day 1 has mostly concluded. They selected 9 jury members, but one had to pull out. So we wait for a potential 9th.
One jury member was dismissed for saying “NASCAR killed NASCAR.”
Two others were dismissed for being big Michael Jordan fans.
One jury member was dismissed for saying “NASCAR killed NASCAR.”
Two others were dismissed for being big Michael Jordan fans.
#NASCAR - Kaulig Racing will not have an alliance with RCR, which will certainly create some challenges for the Cup Series program.
But when I spoke to AJ Allmendinger about this, he pointed to a positive side effect.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
But when I spoke to AJ Allmendinger about this, he pointed to a positive side effect.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
AJ Allmendinger looks forward to challenges of alliance-free season
AJ Allmendinger points to some positives as Kaulig Racing sees its alliance with Richard Childress Racing come to an end.
fanbuzz.com
November 29, 2025 at 10:33 PM
#NASCAR - Kaulig Racing will not have an alliance with RCR, which will certainly create some challenges for the Cup Series program.
But when I spoke to AJ Allmendinger about this, he pointed to a positive side effect.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
But when I spoke to AJ Allmendinger about this, he pointed to a positive side effect.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
This has been updated. NASCAR whittled its exhibit list down to 40 pages ahead of Monday's trial.
Driver agreements, unsealed emails, text messages, and a photo of Michael Jordan's yacht are among the items on #NASCAR's 59-page exhibit list ahead of trial.
These could appear over the next couple of weeks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
These could appear over the next couple of weeks.
fanbuzz.com/racing/nasca...
NASCAR files 59-page exhibit list ahead of antitrust lawsuit trial
NASCAR has filed a 59-page exhibit list ahead of the antitrust lawsuit trial against 23XI Racing and Front Row Motorsports.
fanbuzz.com
November 29, 2025 at 8:16 PM
This has been updated. NASCAR whittled its exhibit list down to 40 pages ahead of Monday's trial.